The "Hetpet" tomb features "very distinguished" and well-preserved wall paintings depicting "Hetpet" standing in hunting and fishing scenes, or receiving offerings from her children. There are also wall paintings of monkeys, which were kept as domestic pets.

Officials said the tomb has a rare rectangular arcade which was lined with incenses and offering holders.

Images painted in the tomb of a royal palace official believed to be known as "Hetpet."Charlene Gubash / NBC News

The tomb was discovered during an excavation mission in the Giza western cemetery region, which has been known to house the burial sites of former royal palace officials. Archaeologists have been excavating the site for more than 170 years.

In a statement announcing the discovery, Egypt's Antiquities Ministry said the tomb's architecture and decorative style date back to the Fifth Dynasty during the period known as the Old Kingdom.

The archaeological mission was lead by Egypt's secretary general of antiquities, Dr. Mostafa Wazir.